© 2011 Aaron Atkinson

Home for Christmas

I’m home for Christmas. It doesn’t take me long to realize how lucky I am.

I’m lucky to have Martha Stewart for a Mom. Martha’s got the house decorated to the nines and smelling like a holiday. Before the doorbell has ceased it’s chime, she has set me down for lunch with cookies and chocolates and peanut brittle for dessert. I’m lucky to arrive hungry and to leave the table full.

There’s a new song she wants to share, a trio of new Christmas treats she’s baked, a couple of “can you help us with the computer” questions, and a segment of a recorded show that I just have to watch. And with cookie, or Clementine, or eggnog in hand, I gladly oblige. I’m lucky that they’re excited I’m home.

It takes me about an hour to remember how loud it is to be in a house full of people. Laura’s soft-spoken and Indie and I don’t make much noise. But with Christmas music in one room, the television in the other, a fan buzzing in the living room, and Mom singing Let it Snow on the phone with her sister, it’s a little too much simulation. But with a smile I take another sip of warm tea and soak in the sounds of the most joyful time of the year.

We’re here. Together. Happy and healthy.

Lucky us.

9 Comments

  1. Mum
    Posted December 24, 2011 at 2:29 pm | #

    I can’t wait! Cookies, peanut brittle and tea are ready. As am I!!!!!
    I was reminded today how your Dad loves first and second and sometimes even third breakfast and realized how lucky I am this year to enjoy two Christmas Eves and two Christmases. How great is that?

  2. Aaron Atkinson
    Posted December 24, 2011 at 3:01 pm | #

    It’s great!

  3. auntie
    Posted December 26, 2011 at 2:54 pm | #

    Merry Christmas to the whole Atkinson Gang from the Smith/Ince/Tarnaske/Horning household 🙂

  4. Aaron Atkinson
    Posted December 26, 2011 at 6:19 pm | #

    And Merry Christmas to you all as well. I hope it was wonderful. Such a splendid time of year!

  5. skyla mann
    Posted December 28, 2011 at 3:49 pm | #

    Will you please adopt me?

  6. Eddie the Q
    Posted December 28, 2011 at 4:55 pm | #

    Merry Christmas to my second family! Love you guys!

  7. Aaron Atkinson
    Posted January 2, 2012 at 4:32 pm | #

    Love you too, Eddie. Thanks for coming over the other night. Always fun times, even in losing. Skyla, you’re cool enough. So yes.

  8. Sellers
    Posted January 2, 2012 at 4:35 pm | #

    HAHAHA! Joey and I TOTALLY know that feeling…our home is quiet and peaceful: two adults who read a lot and one dog who sleeps a lot. When we visit either of our families, it’s loud and chaotic and, once we get used to it again, delightful! 🙂 Hope you had a merry Christmas!!!

  9. Aaron Atkinson
    Posted January 2, 2012 at 7:40 pm | #

    Amanda, that’s perfect described. We had a wonderful Christmas, and a very nice week with the Atkinson’s in Iowa. I hope your holidays were equally as delightful. PS… I checked out that band that you posted about on FB. Cool beat, but I couldn’t understand a word they said!

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